Your roofing system is your home’s first line of defense against different kinds of weather events, such as hail, rains and strong winds. While it’s common knowledge that the roof protects your home against damage from these weather conditions, there is one other thing that it can defend against: fire. With that in mind, you’ll want to install a roof with the best fire ratings possible.
Read on for a quick guide to roof fire ratings.
If you live in an area that’s prone to wildfires, then a Class A rated roof is what you need for your home. For a roof to achieve a Class A rating, it must first be effective against severe fire exposure, which can be proven if it experiences a maximum flame spread of six feet, lasts two to four hours before ignition, withstands a burning brand measuring 12’’ x 12’’, and resists 15 cycles of a gas flame turned on and off. Roofing materials that usually have a Class A rating include clay tiles, slate, asphalt-glass-fiber composition shingles and concrete tiles.
To install a Class A rated roofing slate, simply turn to expert roofer Chase Roofing LLC for assistance.
On the other hand, Class B rated roofing systems are effective against moderate fire exposures. This can be proven if the roof experiences a maximum flame spread of eight feet, lasts one hour before ignition and withstands burning brands that measure 6’’ x 6’’. Roofs that often fall in this category are pressure-treated shakes and shingles.
Roofing materials such as untreated wood shakes and shingles, plywood and particleboard commonly have the Class C fire rating and as such, it’s not recommended that you use them as a roof covering since they only provide light fire protection. A Class C rated roof usually experiences a maximum flame spread of 13 feet, withstands a burning brand measure 15’’ x 15’’, and lasts 20 minutes before ignition.
If you run into an unrated roofing material, it’s highly recommended that you avoid it at all costs. This is because unrated means that the roof could not even pass the requirements for a C rated roofing material and provides little to no fire resistance at all. In fact, most building codes will not accommodate any type of unrated roofing material.
Looking for someone who can help you repair or replace your roofing system? Look no further than Chase Roofing LLC. When it comes to residential roofing and gutter repair installation services, we are the leading experts to approach and you can count on us! Give us a call at (757) 206-1948 or fill out our contact form to get a FREE quote. We serve homeowners in Williamsburg, VA, and other nearby areas.
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